Kia Touts Personalized Sound Systems

Kia Motors Corp. is developing a zoned audio system that allows each vehicle occupant to listen to different music or conduct separate hands-free phone conversations.

Dubbed Separated Sound Zone (SSZ), the technology uses directed speakers and noise cancelation techniques to isolate sounds within different areas of the passenger compartment. The speakers reduce or increase the audio levels of various sound waves as needed to minimize overlapping sounds coming from a vehicle’s audio system, according to the carmaker.

In addition to music and other entertainment feeds, SSZ can be used for phone calls and vehicle alerts to the driver. The system doesn’t affect conversations among vehicle occupants or other noises not emanating from the car’s sound system.

Kia says its system eliminates the need to use headphones in a vehicle. The carmaker expects the technology to be especially useful in future autonomous vehicles with interiors increasingly tailored to passenger amenities.

The company, which has been developing the technology since 2014, aims to commercialize it in vehicles within two years. A promotional video about the system is available here.